Using nature to transform disaster risk reduction: It starts with a 2-way dialogue

International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) hosted a workshop in Fiji on 08-10 March 2017, in collaboration with the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR) and the Ramsar Convention, bringing representatives from more than 10 pacific countries together to learn about how ecosystems can increase community resilience to disasters and climate change. Check out the full workshop report here.

News

Stormwater harvesting could help South Africa manage its water shortages

In 2016, South Africa experienced one of the worst droughts in decades. In order to mitigate impacts of water insecurity, the country is seeking an alternative source of water supply: stormwater harvesting. Stormwater harvesting is the collection and storage of rainfall run-off, making use of retention or detention ponds, which could help reduce flooding, which also protects ecosystems and reduces the reliance on dams and reservoirs. Check out the full article here.

How nature-based systems can slash wastewater

Globally, over 80% of generated wastewater flows back into ecosystems untreated, contaminating water sources. Nature-based interventions, such as wetlands management, can reduce wastewater flow but also filter out water pollutants and mitigate flood risk. Learn more here.

Project Insights

Six years after the Great East Earthquake and Tsunami, Japan is finding ways to work with nature

In 2011, an earthquake with a magnitude of 9.0 struck near the northeastern coast of Japan, triggering a massive tsunami and a nuclear disaster. Since then, the Government of Japan has promoted multiple lines of defense to work with nature and manage disaster risk. However, the process of incorporating ecosystem-based measures has not been easy. To learn more about these challenges and how they are moving forward, click here.

This paper investigated the effectiveness of catchment-based ‘natural’ flood management in the UK from a natural science perspective. Researchers reviewed the scientific evidence on the impacts of natural flood management strategies and identified important evidence gaps for future research. Check out the full paper here.

TrainingTraining of trainers course on Humanitarian Assistance in West Africa

Training of Trainers Course on Humanitarian Assistance in West Africa, co-organized by the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) and the Austrian Study Centre for Peace and Conflict Resolution (ASPR), is now calling for applications. Taking place on 19-23 June, the course aims to develop a pool of trainers in West Africa region that are able to support the delivery of trainings on Humanitarian Assistance. The application deadline is 01 May 2017. You can apply here.